Calendar

Agenda

• « Previous Events

1. May

   25

   Fri

   1. −

      Age of Limits (all-day)

      May 25 – May 28

      Read more »

      Categories: Workshops

      The Age of Limits

      Dedicated to the pioneering work of Donella Meadows, Jorgen Randers & Dennis Meadows
      and their epochal 1972 report “The Limits to Growth.”
      Conversations on the Collapse

      of The Global Industrial Model

      Friday May 25th thru Monday May 28th, 2012

      Memorial Day Weekend at Four Quarters

       

      

      The original “Limits to Growth Report” (1972 Meadows et al) did not include a time line for the global growth scenarios it examined. With the addition of statistical data for the following 40 years it is now possible “to fit to the curve” and make rough predictions based on observed resource production and consumption patterns, overlaid upon continued population growth.

      For 50 years serious thinkers have questioned the assumptions of our global industrial culture and its prospects over the longer term. In recent decades they have succeeded in bringing at least some of the core science into popular discussion, notably petroleum depletion and especially climate change. Through these years proposals have been made outlining the governmental policies that would be necessary to begin “solving” these problems. Sadly, we can now see through the course of events, or rather non-events, that the window of opportunity is closing, if not already closed. We are now confronted not by a problem, but by a predicament; one which has no solution, but only adaptations and mitigation’s.

      Environmental Degradation and Resource Depletion.
      Global Population Growth and Demographics.
      Rentier Debt and Growth Based Finance. Global Climate Change.
      A world now reaching The Limits of Growth on a Finite Earth.

      ·In-Depth Conversations With:

      John Michael Greer: Scholar and author of more than twenty books on a wide range of subjects, including The Long Descent: A User’s Guide to the End of the Industrial Age, The Ecotechnic Future: Exploring a Post-Peak World, and The Wealth of Nature: Economics As If Survival Mattered.

      Carolyn Baker Ph.D.: Professor of history and psychology, psychotherapist and author of Navigating The Coming Chaos: A Handbook For Inner Transition and Sacred Demise: Walking The Spiritual Path of Industrial Civilization’s Collapse.

      Dmitry Orlov: Essayist, wry social commentator and author of the acclaimed Reinventing Collapse – The Soviet Experience and American Prospects.

      Gail Tverberg: Professional Actuary and Mathematician, global limits analyst and writer.

      Thomas Whipple: Retired senior analyst for the CIA and a well known researcher and writer on energy and oil issues, Chief Editor of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil-USA’s flagship publication, Peak Oil News and Review.

      …and others being confirmed.

      ·Workshops for Understanding and Adapting to Decline

      • Localized food production, transport and consumption.
      • Debt based finance, fiat currencies and the global economy.
      • Climate change, the current state of the science.
      • Personal energy production and shelter creation.
      • Fossil fuel production and consumption metrics.
      • The new extended family and local community.
      • Flexible livelihood and living in place.
      • Understanding the limits of renewable energy systems.
      The Age of Limits directly addresses our developing understanding of the core issues relating to the emerging decline of the western industrialized model and the practical adaptations and preparations that apply on the personal, family and local levels.

      Our science understands that business as usual cannot continue, that the degree of catastrophe from Climate Change is simply unknowable in its scope and that global population die-off is a real possibility within the lifetimes of our young people. We want to present this information in a level, thoughtful and non-hysterical manner; as the situation is so dire that it needs no amplification, but rather, compassion.

      So this is not intended to be a conference in the usual sense of presentations to a passive audience. We will instead foster “Weekend Community” through the creation of physical spaces that encourage attendees meeting and exchanging with each other and with our presenters… in a very natural and beautiful setting. In addition to two full days of presentations and workshops, there will be low-key Appalachian string music in our community spaces featuring a finger foods social meet and greet Friday evening, a stage performance Saturday evening and an old style barn dance Sunday evening. And we will be offering community meal plans through our “Starvin’ Artist Kitchen.”
      It is not all Doom and Gloom!

       

       

      
      

      The Age of Limits

      May 25th thru May 28th • Memorial Day Weekend

      ··· Four Quarters Members Pre-Registrations begin at $75, by May 12th
      ··· Pre-Registrations begin at $85, by May 19th.
      ··· Late Registrations on arrival $95,
      for the full three nights and two days of presentations.
      ··· Saturday and Sunday day registrations, $50/day.

      ··· Register Online or by calling our office at 814-784-3080

      ··· Meal plans are available through our camp kitchen, “The Starvin’ Artist,”
      created with our own produce or that of our neighboring farms.
      Approximately $9 a meal, pre registration required. Call for more info.

      For more information call or write our offices at
      814-784-3080, office@4QF.org
      or visit us at AgeofLimits.org and 4QF.org

      The Age of Limits is organized by Four Quarters InterFaith, the Mid-Atlantics’ nonprofit center supporting nature based spirituality and sustainable living techniques. Located just 100 miles from the DC metro area, our center is off-grid and we provide our campers with advanced flush toilet, hot shower and drinking water systems.

      Your registration includes attendance at all presentations and social events, camping, swimming, hot showers, toilet and potable water. Fire Ring and Car Camping passes are available.

      We have a limited number of bunkbed berths in our dormitory.
      Private rooms in nearby B+B’s are available. Call us for suggestions.

      • Share:
      • Bookmark on Delicious
      • Digg this post
      • Recommend on Facebook
      • Share on Posterous
      • share via Reddit
      • Tweet about it
      • Subscribe to the comments on this post
      • Print for later
      • Bookmark in Browser
      • Tell a friend
      +

      Age of Limits (all-day)